Asda has placed a limit on the number of eggs customers can buy to two boxes each, amid supply strains caused by the ongoing avian flu outbreak.
Millions of birds have been culled due to the outbreak, with the remaining farmed animals being isolated indoors in attempts to stem the spread of the disease.
Egg farmers have cited rising operating costs as well as the bird flu outbreak as leading to the shortages, with many calling for a 40p-per-dozen increase to the price of eggs in March.
While prices of eggs have increased around 45p-per-dozen in shops, many farmers have only received 5-10p of that rise, according to the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, which said many of its members were operating at a loss.
The body representing free-range egg producers said this month that its members have been hit with huge hikes in production costs, with feeding hens now at least 50% more expensive than it was, and energy prices having soared as they have for consumers, with labour and packaging costs also rising.
A survey of 163 free-range producers earlier this month showed that 33% had either reduced their flock sizes, paused production temporarily or left the industry altogether.
Asda joins JD Wetherspoon PLC (LSE:JDW) in introducing measures to tackle the shortages, with the pub chain switching up its breakfast menu, offering alternatives to eggs in many cases.
Lidl is also reportedly facing shortages, introducing rationing to three boxes per customer in at least one of its stores according to the Mirror.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s has said it is sourcing eggs from Italy to deal with the shortages.
Currently, the UK is facing its largest bout of avian flu to date, with all poultry and captive birds in England having been ordered to be kept indoors from 7 November.